Article by Somerville Times correspondent Jennifer Matthews

I’ve been trying to make sense of a very dear soul and friend who suddenly passed away six days ago. Hugh McGowan was an amazing person and musical artist, who touched the hearts of countless people with his gorgeous voice, incredible songs and plethora of talent. He literally embodied music and it seemed his every breath was for it. He had a long caravan of musical artists he supported, cheered on and played with.

Accessibility is further complicated by cultural, linguistic, and structural differences
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By Shira Laucharoen
Somerville Wire

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is not an easy process for immigrants, even in a progressive city like Somerville. Facing language barriers, transportation obstacles, and a digital divide, the difficulties around access are compounded when considering individuals’ own personal fears and uncertainties. According to Ben Echevarria, executive director of the Welcome Project, the information coming out from the State has not been systematic or predictable, leading many immigrant families and residents to ask, what is going on?

Saturday, March 6, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) will be distributing USDA Farmers to Families Food Box to local families in Somerville and surrounding communities on Saturday afternoons on a weekly basis.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Dear Editor,

I appreciated reading the February 15th article “AG Healey awards $1.5 million in grants to promote racial equity in treatment of opioid use disorder” which includes the City of Somerville as a recipient. Two components struck me: 1) the restorative nature of the funding source and 2) the limited scope of cultural humility in practice.

Building to serve urgent pandemic needs to start, welcoming highest needs and younger students first

The new Somerville High School is ready for its debut. In an opening no one could have envisioned at the project’s outset, the building welcomed younger students starting March 4 as part of the district’s phased return to in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Powder House Blvd. location last Thursday on reports of a fight.

Upon arrival, the officers spoke with Manuel Marroquin-Orellana, who reportedly appeared to be very upset and speaking loudly, stating that he was ready to fight another man who was apparently in the vicinity.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Somerville has a lot of Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. Most of my friends are boomers. The parents of these babies, including mine, bought their houses for very cheap money, by today’s standards.